Southwestern College of Maritime, Business and Technology, Inc.

Quezon Drive, Calero, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

www.scmbt.edu.ph / slmifnav.official@gmail.com / slmifnav@yahoo.com.ph

SUBJECT: Understanding The Self MODULE #: 7

DATE & TIME: TEACHER: Ms. Princes Jhoy G. Batanes

I. TOPIC: The Sexual Self

II. TARGET OUTCOMES:

The learner shall be able to:
1. Identify and discuss the sexual aspects of the self.
2. Explain the influence of both physiological and psychosocial factors of sexuality.
3. Describe the sexual behavior and explain the various sexual orientations of a person.

I. MATERIALS NEEDED:
To accomplish exercises and activities, you need the following: black pen, pencil and/or other writing
materials and other available references.

III. GEAR UP YOUR MIND

The sexual self is considered an active, dynamic structure that forms from organized perceptions
on one’s own qualities in the sexual domain into a cohesive, internalized construct. Sexual self is defined
as how individuals think and feel about sex in general, and feel about themselves as sexual beings.

The sexual self has both intrapersonal (with own self) and interpersonal (with others) dimensions. It
requires an understanding and evaluation of the self as both a sexual individual alone as well as in the
context of a sexual experience with another individual. The sexual self is a multidimensional construct with
multiple factors that can affect other aspects of sexuality such as sexual risk-taking behaviors.

Buzwell and Rosenthal (1996) documented five (5) different sexual self-styles of individuals; 1) the
Sexual Naïve, 2) the Sexually Not Assured, 3) the Sexually Competent, 4) the Sexually Adventurous, and
5) the Sexually Driven. While individuals can have different sexual self-styles, these factors together make
up overall sexual selves.

Throughout adolescence, sexual concept also known as sexual self, can be very unstable. Both
sexual socialization and personal sexual experiences will shape the way adolescents perceive themselves

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 Southwestern College of Maritime, Business and Technology, Inc.
Quezon Drive, Calero, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
www.scmbt.edu.ph / slmifnav.official@gmail.com / slmifnav@yahoo.com.ph

as sexual individuals. In turn, their sexual self will influence the way adolescents think about sex, make
decisions about sex, and the interpersonal information they receive about sex. Self-processes become

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particularly important in adolescence because adolescence is the developmental period in which they
cultivate more sophisticated understanding about their identity and the self. (Harter, 1999, 2012).
Adolescence is a time in which many aspects of sexual development start to flourish. The onset of puberty
which brings development of secondary sex characteristics and the ability to reproduce as well as an
increase in sex hormones start in middle childhood and increases in intensity in adolescence.

Romantic relationships or sexual relationships become increasingly important for adolescent

development (Collins, 2003) especially as they set the stage for young adulthood. (Furman & Winkles,
2012). Finally, socially and culturally constructed norms support, sexual behavior over adolescence leading
to socialization. As development in both self-processes, maturation of the self-concept and sexuality start to
coincide. Adolescents at this point, start to cultivate a more sophisticated sexual self and become a
multidimensional complex personal construct.

They finally come to discover their authentic sexual self. The authentic sexual self is the genuine
essence of one’s sexuality. It lies deep within the individual’s being and is a unique expression of his/her
desire, true innermost fantasies that no one else knows or sees. Some spend a lifetime ignoring their
authentic sexual self, while others search for it in vain. The authentic sexual self is that powerful place
within each person where the fire is always burning, yet many freeze to death because they cannot access
its heat. There is nothing sexier than a person who has connected his authentic self. He knows what he
wants, how he likes it, and who really is sexually. He radiates an erotic energy and possesses courage and
confidence that many only dream of. He is aware of his sexual rights as an authentic person.

Sexology is the study of sexual interests, behavior, and function which combines biology, zoology,
physiology, statistics, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, religion, and medicine.

The World Association for Sexology shares the Sexology’s Declaration of Sexual Rights. These
are:
• The right to sexual freedom
• The right to autonomy, sexual integrity, and safety of the sexual body
• The right to sexual privacy
• The right to sexual equity
• The right to pleasure
• The right to emotional sexual expression
• The right to associate freely
• The right to make free and responsible reproductive choices
• The right to sexual information based upon scientific inquiry
• The right to comprehensive sexuality education
• The right to sexual health care.

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 DEVELOPMENT OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
SEX CHARACERISTICS

There are two types of physical changes that occur during puberty – changes to primary sex
characteristics and changes to secondary sex characteristics. The adolescent growth in skeletal and
muscular dimensions is closely related to the rapid development of the reproductive system that takes
place at this stage. Primary and secondary sex characteristics become noticeable. Primary sex
characteristics refer to changes to the sexual organs themselves. These primary sex characteristics are
those which a person is born with that are developed during puberty. In women, the primary sex
characteristics are the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, and the fallopian tubes. In men, these are the penis,
scrotum, testicles/testes, urethra, and the prostate gland.

Primary sex characteristics changes for boys include the enlargement of the tests, penis, prostate
glands and seminal vesicles. These changes normally begin to occur between the ages of 9 and 14 years.
Their growth is generally completed between ages 12 and 16 years. The most significant and noticeable
puberty-related change for young men is spermarche or the first ejaculation. Spermarche generally occurs
between the ages of 12 and 16 years. The spermarche indicates a boy is now producing sperm and could
fertilize a female egg through sexual activity resulting in female pregnancy.

The primary sex characteristics changes for girls include the uterus starting to build a lining that will
later be shed through the process of menstruation and the vagina begins to produce a mucus-like
discharge. The most significant and noticeable primary sex change for young women is menarche or the
first menstrual period. This occurs when the uterus – the organ that will later carry and nurture a baby –
sheds its first lining of tissue and blood. This lining is shed once a month, or on average of 28 days. The
purpose of the lining is to condition the uterus for the initial portion of pregnancy in which a fertilized egg
must attach to the uterine lining.

Secondary sex characteristics refer to the viable changes that mark adult maturation such as
changes in height and body shape. These are features which begin to appear at puberty. In females, the
start of breasts enlargement and erection of nipples are the first signs of puberty. The growth of body hair
to include the armpit and the pubic region precedes this. Menarche, the first menstrual period, is a late
event in the sequence. The hips widen and there is greater development of thigh muscles. The first sign of
puberty in males is an acceleration of the growth of the testes, penis, and scrotum, with reddening and
wrinkling of the scrotal skin. Growth of body hair including underarm, abdomen, chest, and pubic region
also appears. Deepening of the voice is due to the enlargement of the larynx (Adam’s apple). Increased
height, heavier skull, and bone structure are also evident. More angular features like broadening of
shoulders and chest happen. The shoulders are wider than hips. There is also an increased secretion of
body oil and sweat glands.

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 THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

The reproductive system is a system of organs within an organism which works together for the
purpose of reproduction – the capacity of human beings to originate new individuals. During puberty,
usually between the ages of 9 and 14, the reproductive systems of both sexes mature. The ovaries of a
female release eggs (female sex cells) and a male’s testes produce sperm (male sex cells). Reproduction
occurs when a sperm unites with an egg – process called fertilization.

The human male reproductive system is a series of organs located outside of the body around the
pelvic region of a male that contribute towards the reproductive process. The primary direct function of the
male reproductive system is to provide the male gametes (sperm), the spermatozoa for fertilization of the
ovum in a female. Other functions are to produce, maintain, and transport sperm and protective fluid
(semen), to discharge sperm within a female reproductive tract during a sex activity and to produce and
secrete male sex hormones responsible for maintaining the male reproductive system.

The male reproductive system includes the penis, testicles, urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate
glands, bladder, vas deferens, and epididymis. The penis is for richly supplied with nerve endings, sponge
like erectile tissue that contains many blood vessels. When the penis is sexually aroused, it becomes erect
ready for insertion of sperm with the female to produce offspring. The urethra is a tube which passes from
the bladder to the outside of the body at different times. During ejaculation or release of semen, urine does
not come out due to the sphincter muscle controlling it. The testicles (testes) are egg-shaped which
produces sperms and male sex hormones called testosterone. Beside each testes lies the epididymis
which stores inactive sperms from the testes before entering the sperm duct. The sperm ducts consist of
loops over a ureter and opens up to a urethra. Sperms travel through it after being released from the testes.
The seminal vesicle is a gland that opens into each sperm duct. It stores sperms before they are released
through the urethra. The prostate gland is at the base of the urinary bladder where the sperm ducts join the
urethra. The Cowper’s gland located beneath secretes a slippery fluid which mixes with the sperms. This
fluid nourishes the sperms and stimulates them to swim actively.

The female reproductive system is composed of the ovary, uterus, vagina, cervix, oviduct or
fallopian tubes, and the uterine lining. The ovaries produce eggs and female sex hormones called estrogen,
which are responsible for development of secondary sexual characteristics. When the eggs become
mature, they are released from the ovaries and fertilized in the oviduct (fallopian tubes). The uterus, also
known as the womb, is where the fetus or embryo develops during pregnancy. The uterus has elastic
muscular walls with smooth muscular tissues to push the embryo out during birth. The inner lining of the
uterus is used for implantation. The circular ring of muscle at the narrow end of the uterus is the cervix. It

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enlarges to allow passage of the fetus during birth. Semen is deposited in the vagina during mating through
the opening called vulva.

To summarize, the human reproductive system reflects “The Magic of Life” – Male plus Female =
Fertilization. Sperms enter the egg cell. The egg cell is fertilized in the fallopian tubes (oviducts). Fertilized
egg cell is called zygote. The zygote the moves to the uterus where it implants into the lining of the uterine
wall. The placenta develops to provide oxygen and nutrients to the growing baby in the uterus during the
entire period of gestation. The birth of the child and expulsion of the placenta precedes the suckling and
care of the child with an eventual return of the maternal organs to their original state. This is “THE MAGIC
OF LIFE.”

SEXUAL PLEASURE AND EROGENOUS ZONES:

What Turns People On

Sexual learning and experience come early in adolescence. Culture emphasizes the virtue and
value of sexual pleasure. Sexual pleasure consists of those positively valued feelings induced by sexual
stimuli which encompass positive sensations. It starts from the soothing sensations of sensual touch to the
explosion of feelings that accompany orgasm. Sexual pleasure can be evoked to some extent by erotic
thoughts, fantasies and direct nerve stimulation. Sexual fantasies give some expression to sexual wishes
that cannot be satisfied. A person is in charge and in control of his own sexual fantasies. However, these
sexual fantasies can be a problem if they absorb so much of a person’s time and attention. Fantasies are
healthy as long as they do not interfere with social development. Sexual fantasies can also occur through
self-stimulation of the genitals, called masturbation. Masturbation is like fantasy in many ways. It is usually
a solitary activity. Masturbation makes is possible for a person to get sexual satisfaction. Masturbation is
the safest way of experiencing orgasm; the safest form of sex. It does not cause pregnancy or bring
sexually transmitted diseases.

Stimulation of the genitals, breasts or other relevant body parts in the erogenous zones is
necessary for sexual pleasure. An erogenous zone is an area of the human body that has heightened
sensitivity. The stimulation may generate sexual responses, such as relaxation, the production of sexual
fantasies and sexual arousal. The biggest erogenous zone for most people is their genital areas – the
vulva, clitoris, vagina, penis, scrotum, perineum prostate and anus.

The experience of sexual pleasure begins when the skin receptors in one or more erogenous
zones are stimulated and end with a positive evaluation within the brain. The brain translates the nerve
impulses from the skin into pleasurable sensations. It controls nerves and muscles used during sexual

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activities. The brain regulates the release of hormones which are believed to be the origin of sexual
thoughts, fantasies, emotions and feelings.

Sexual hormones play a vital role in sexual motivation. Estrogen and progesterone typically
regulate motivation to engage in sexual activity. Oxytocin, known as the “hormone of love” is released
during sexual intercourse when an orgasm is achieved. Oxytocin is also released in females when they
give birth and are breast feeding. It is believed that oxytocin is involved in maintaining close relationship.

Culture also influences sexual behavior. Cultural context results indirectly from cognitive activity. In
every society there are “sexual scripts” (Gagnon, 2008) which indicate what is valued or approved. Hence,
in every culture, people live specific sexual situations and thus learn sexual and cultural conditioning
specific to their society. It is observed that majority of people in a social group preferred sexual activities
that conform to their culture. In many traditional societies, genital activities are preferred. Kissing is not
practiced and anal activities cause disgust. In antique Greek society, women have inferior social position
compared to men. Societies that value monogamy, for example, are likely to oppose extramarital sex. Most
world religions have developed moral codes that have sought to guide people’s sexual activities and
practices. Many religions emphasize control over one’s sexual drives and sexual desires. Whether or not,
sex before marriage, the use of birth control methods, or abortion are acceptable, is often a matter of
religious beliefs.

THE HUMAN SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE

The human sexual response cycle is a four-stage model of physiological response to sexual
stimulation which are: 1) the excitement of arousal phase, 2) the plateau phase, 3) the orgasmic phase,
and 4) the resolution phase in the order of their occurrence. This physiological response model was first
formulated by William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson in their book “Human Sexual Response” (1966).

The excitement phase, also known as the arousal phase, the first stage, occurs as a result of
physical or mental erotic stimuli such as kissing, petting, or viewing erotic images that lead to sexual
arousal. During this stage, the body prepares for sexual intercourse, initially leading to plateau phase.
Excitement can last from a few minutes to several hours. This phase is characterized by increased muscle
tension, quickened heart rate, and accelerated breathing. Skin may become flushed; blotches of redness
appears on the chest and back. Nipples become hardened and erect. Blood flow to the genitals increases
resulting in swelling of the woman’s clitoris, and erection of the man’s penis. The woman’s breasts become
fuller and the vaginal walls begin to swell. The man’s testicles swell, his scrotum tightens, and he begins
secreting a lubricating fluid necessary for a smooth penetration in sexual intercourse.

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 The plateau phase is the period of sexual excitement prior to orgasm. This phase is characterized
by an increased circulation of blood and heart rate in both sexes. There is increased sexual pleasure with
increased stimulation and further increased muscle tension. The vagina continues to swell from increased
blood flow while the clitoris becomes highly sensitive and retracts under the clitoral hood to avoid direct
stimulation from the penis. Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure continue to increase.

Orgasm is the conclusion of the plateau phase, the climax of the sexual response cycle. It is the
shortest of the four phases and generally lasts only a few second. It is accompanied by quick cycles of
muscle contraction in the lower pelvic muscles. Women experience rhythmic uterine and vaginal
contractions. Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing are at their highest rates with a rapid intake of oxygen.
There is a sudden forceful release of sexual tension. In men, rhythmic contractions of the muscles at the
base of the penis result in the ejaculation and release of semen.

The resolution phase occurs after orgasm and allows the muscles to relax, blood pressure to drop
and the body to slow down from its excited state. During this phase, the body slowly returns to its normal
level of functioning. Swelled and erect body parts return to their previous size and color. This stage is
marked by a general sense of well-being and often fatigue. Some women are capable of a rapid return to
the orgasm phase with further sexual stimulation and may experience multiple orgasms called refractory
period.

THE CHEMISTRY OF LOVE – LOVE AND THE BRAIN

The elusion emotion of LOVE is the foundation of human existence. When a person is in love,
there is real chemistry taking place in the body. Chemistry is at the bottom of every step in a relationship.
When a person falls in love, the brain manifests some changes and certain chemical compounds are
released.

Anthropology professor, Helen Fisher, suggests that the three (3) emotional system – lust,
attraction and attachment – are somewhat disconnected in human beings. Fisher believes that these
primary, distinct, but interrelated emotions in the brain mediate mating, reproduction and the rearing of the
child. Each emotion system is correlated with a specific neurobiology in the brain. Each is associated with a
different collection of behavior and each evolve to direct specific aspect of reproduction.

The Sex Drive: Libido or Lust. One who is in this stage feels physically attracted and drawn to the
object of his affection. He wants to seduce or be seduced. There may be an element of mystery or intensity
that makes things exciting. Lust is driven by the hormone testosterone in men and estrogen in women. The
sex drive evolves to motivate individuals to seek sexual union with any appropriate partner.

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 The Attraction System. To humans, this is termed as “passionate love”, “obsessive love”, or
“infatuation”. It is characterized by increased energy and the focusing of attention on a preferred mating
partner. Attraction is also associated with feelings of stimulation, intrusive (nosy) thinking about the beloved
and the craving for emotional union. These feelings are created by three (3) chemicals – dopamine,
norepinephrine, and serotonin.

Dopamine. Increased dopamine is associated with motivation, reward, and goal-directed behavior.
Hence, the person exhibit the drive to pursue the loved one or create him in fantasy if he cannot be with
him. Dopamine is the chemical substance extremely related to undeniable pleasure, a wonderful feeling,
and occasionally blind attraction. Norepinephrine is responsible for the extra surge of energy, the racing
heart, the loss of appetite, and desire of sleep. It puts the body into a more alert state in which one is ready
for action. Norepinephrine stimulates adrenaline production. Serotonin. Scientists think serotonin probably
decreases at this stage. Low levels of serotonin are found in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder
and are thought to cause obsessive thinking.

The Attachment System. This is “compassionate love” characterized by feelings of calm, security,
social comfort, and emotional union. Attachment involves wanting to make a more lasting commitment to a
loved one. This is the point at which individuals may move in together, get married, and/or have children.
The hormones identified to help drive attachment are oxytocin and vasopressin. These hormones create
the desire to bond, affiliate with and nurture a partner, to cuddle and be close, to share the deepest secrets,
to plan and dream together.

Oxytocin is the hormone released during orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding. This may be the
reason why sex is thought to bring couples close together and be the glue that binds the relationship. Also
dubbed as the “trust hormone”, oxytocin is known for having the capacity to promote monogamy.
Vasopressin helps in turning male into a better nurturer of the offspring, making for caring fathers.
Vasopressin is at its peak during intimate arousal.

The three emotions – lust, attraction and attachment – act in concert with one another and with
other bodily systems and can act independently as well. Physiologically, every individual is capable of
loving more than one person at a time. Auden called the sex drive “an intolerable itch”. Robert Lowell called
Love “the whirlwind, the delirium of Eros”. Romantic love, obsessive love, passionate love, call it what you
want, almost all men and women around the world have known and experienced its ecstasy and anguish.

SEXUAL ORIENTATION

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 Adolescence is a time of transition not just for teens, but their parents, too. Many parents face their
teens’ emerging sexuality with a mix of confusion and worry. They may feel completely unprepared for this
next step of parenthood. At first, some parents, feel upset, disappointed or unable to accept their teens’
sexual orientation. But many parents find that they just need time to adjust to this.

Sexual orientation is a lasting pattern of romantic or sexual attraction to persons of the opposite
sex, the same sex, or to both sexes. These attractions are generally included under heterosexuality,
homosexuality, and asexuality. According to the American Psychological Association, sexual orientation
also refers to a person’s sense of identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in
a community of others who share those attractions. Most definitions of sexual orientation include a
psychological component such as the direction of an individual’s sexual partner/s. the core attractions that
form the basis for adult sexual orientation typically emerge between middle childhood and early
adolescence.
Many cultures use identity labels to describe people who express these attractions. The most used
labels are lesbians (women attracted to women), gay men (men attracted to men), and bisexual people
(men or women attracted to both sexes). According to psychologists, sexual behavior also refers to a
person’s choice of sexual partners who may be homosexual, heterosexual or bisexual.

A homosexual is one who is physically, romantically, and emotionally attracted to individuals of the
same sex. Lesbians and gays are homosexuals. A homosexual is often see as clinical or indicative of
psychological disorder and abnormality and may be offensive to others.

A heterosexual is one who is physically, emotionally and romantically attracted to individuals of a

gender other than his own. A man who is attracted solely to women is a heterosexual. Heterosexual
couples can express affection publicly, may kiss, hug, or hold hands without fear of ridicule or hostile
behavior. They can marry when and where they wish without facing moral opposition. Heterosexuals are
the dominant group in the realm of sexual orientation.

A bisexual is attracted to both men and women, yet some bisexuals have preference for one sex
over another. “Bi” implies attraction to two sexes. Those who claim to be bisexuals are actually
homosexuals who are not ready to come out of the closet. Bisexual men are more homosexual than
bisexual women. Bisexual men are also known as gay men. They retain their bisexual identity and continue
to experience sexual romantic and emotional attraction to women throughout their lives.

A person who does not experience sexual attraction or has little, to no desire to engage in sexual
activity is an asexual. Asexual persons simply do not desire sex, lack sexual behavior and lack sexual
attraction. Although they do not necessarily enjoy or desire to have sex, asexual persons still desire
romantic relationship with people.

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 The American Psychiatric Association said that no one knows what cause heterosexuality,
homosexuality, bisexuality or asexuality. Homosexuality was once thought to be the result of troubled
family, dynamic or faulty psychological development. These assumptions are now understood to have been
based on misinformation and prejudice. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (2007) claimed that there is no
substantive evidence to support the notion that the nature of parenting or early childhood experiences plays
any role in the information of a person’s sexual orientation. It would appear that sexual orientation is
biological in nature, determined by a complex interplay of genetic factors and the early uterine (mother’s
uterus) environment. Sexual orientation is therefore a choice though sexual behavior is. The hormonal
theory of sexuality holds the hormonal exposure also influences the social orientation that emerges later in
the adult.

The internet has influenced sexual orientation in two (2) ways. It is common mode of discussion in
the subject of sexual orientation and sexual identity and, therefore, shapes popular beliefs. And it allows
anonymous fulfillment of sexual partners as well as facilitates communication among a greater number of
people.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that
are passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some
STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means via blood or non-blood products. Many STIs, including
chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, human immune deficiency virus (HIV), and syphilis, can also be
transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. A person can have STI without having
obvious symptoms of the disease/infection. Common symptoms of STI include vaginal discharge, urethral
discharge or burning in men, genital ulcers and abdominal pain.

Antibiotics can treat STDs caused by bacteria, yeasts or parasites. There is no cure for STDs
caused by a virus but medicines can often help with the symptoms and keep the disease under control.

STIs can have serious consequences beyond the immediate impact of the infection itself. STIs lik
herpes and syphilis can increase the risk of HIV acquisition. HIV attacks the immune system leaving its
host more vulnerable to infections and diseases. If the virus is left untreated, the susceptibility to infection
worsens. HIV can be found in semen, blood, vaginal, and rectal fluid, and breast milk. HIV can be
transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, sexual contact, child birth, breastfeeding, the sharing of
equipment to inject drugs such as needles and syringes. With treatment, the amount of the virus present in

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the body can be reduced. If HIV progresses without treatment and reaches stage 3 known as acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), it can be fatal.

Genital Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). The virus affects the skin, cervix,
genitals, and some other parts of the body. HSV is easily transmitted through direct contact. The symptoms
associated with genital herpes include blisters on the external genital area, rectum, thighs, and buttocks,
vaginal discharge, pain on urinating, fever and cold sores around the mouth.

Syphilis is caused by bacteria, transmitted by sexual contact. A woman who is pregnant and has
syphilis can pass on this STD to her baby that can result in stillbirth, or serious congenital deformation.
Chlamydia is caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. This is the most common bacterial STD. A
person who does not receive treatment for chlamydia may have pelvic pain, painful sexual intercourse, and
bleeding between periods. Gonorrhea is also caused by a bacterium that usually attacks the mucuos
membranes. This bacterium thrives in warm and moist cavities of the body like vagina, penis, mouth,
rectum or eyes. A woman who is pregnant can pass the infection on to the infant during childbirth. If left
untreated, females may develop pelvic inflammatory diseases. Males may develop inflammation of the
prostate gland, urethra or epididymis.

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Counseling and behavioral interventions offer primary prevention against STIs, as well as against
unintended pregnancies. These include comprehensive sexuality education, safer sex-risk reduction,
condom-use promotion, and counseling tailored to the needs of adolescents. When used correctly and
consistently, condoms offer one of the most effective methods of protect against STIs. Female condoms
are effective and safe but are not used as widely as male condoms. The best way to prevent STI is to
abstain from sexual contact – vaginal, anal or oral. Taking birth control pills can also help. Being
monogamous, having sex with just one partner, can lower risk for STIs. Practice safe sex always.

TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Teenage pregnancy, also known as adolescent pregnancy, is pregnancy in females under the age
of 20. A female can become pregnant from sexual intercourse after she has begun to ovulate, which can be
before her menstrual period (menarche). For well-nourished females, menarche usually takes place around
the age of 12 to 13.

Being a teenager and finding out one is pregnant, especially if the pregnancy is unexpected and
not wanted, can give enormous stress and problems to a young woman and her family. Teenage

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pregnancy may be linked to things such as lack of education and information about reproduction, peer
pressure, and early engagement in sexual activity. During adolescence, teenagers may drink and
experiment with drugs frequently with their friends at social gatherings and parties. This may lead to
unwanted and unintentional pregnancy.

Teens become pregnant often come from families of low socio-economic status which is often
linked to low levels of family connectedness, no strong role models to look up to or learn from. Lack of
family connectedness pushes youth away from confiding in the adults within their homes but towards other
troubled youth suffering in the same way. Peer pressure is another factor. Adolescents may be pressured
by their partner to have “love” and “true feelings” for each other, which may lead to unintended pregnancy.
The media also play a large reason why some teens become pregnant. Rebellion is also another reason
why some teens become pregnant. In order having more control over their lives, a teen may decide to have
a child.

Due to becoming pregnant during adolescence, teen mothers are very likely to drop out of school
because of their low ambitions and dedication to getting an education. In light of this, these young girls do
not have full qualifications for proper jobs in the future, which lead to having a low-paying job or even
worse, unemployment. Teens are often forced to become reliant on their families for financial resources as
well as support to help them get through raising a child. Pursuing this further, teen mothers are often
strained for resources and social support from the father of the child. Conflict increases or even violence
within the relationship can lead to break up leaving the mother a single parent. To have a child at this stage
clashes with the developmental tasks that should be taking place. These young mothers are unable to
develop a sense of identity because of their new role.

There are many negative factors associated with teenage pregnancy. However, some factors
increase the likelihood of making these teens become more suitable for parenthood. Teen mothers can
gain strength through the support of their parents and by maintaining favorable social relations with peers.
From a young age, it is important that young children and adolescents have a reliable and trustworthy adult
to confide in. Having an approachable and knowledgeable role model or adult in their life will decrease the
likelihood of teenage pregnancy. Children need to grow up having a positive self-image, unconditional love,
and support from their parents especially the mother. Open communication and quality time spent with
children is a protective factor against teen pregnancy.

THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH LAW

AND METHODS OF CONTRACEPTION

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 One of the biggest problems of Philippine government is the increasing rate of poverty in the
country. Several factor can be attributed to this problem and the major reason for it is over population.
Having a big number of family members is the closest cause of poverty. To control over population and
prevent the continuous increase of poverty rate in the country, one solution is the Responsible Parenthood
and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, popularly known as the RH Law. This is a law that guarantees
methods and information for universal access on birth control and maternal care. It allows the usage of
different contraception methods to prevent the multiplying population of the country.

Other elements of the RH Law include family planning information and services, maternal, infant
and child health and nutrition including breast feeding. Prevention of abortion and management of post-
abortion complications are provided as well. Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections
(RTIs), HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are likewise included. Elimination of violence
against women and children and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence, RH education for
adolescents and mental health aspects of reproductive health care are also integrated.

Contraceptives are considered essential in the RH Law. Contraceptives are products used by
women and men to prevent pregnancy. Every person has his own choice of what contraceptive to use. The
condom and the pills rank at the top as the most commonly used type of contraception. The contraceptive
pill will prevent a female from getting pregnant. Keep in mind that the pill does not provide any protection
against STIs, and that a doctor’s prescription is required to buy it. Condoms are easy to use, affordable and
offer the best protection against STIs. For safety reasons, make sure a new condom is used each time you
have sex. The intrauterine device (IUD) is another method of contraception. It is made of soft plastic
inserted in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Unlike condoms, IUD does not protect the user from IADS and
other STDs.

Injection/vaccination is another method of birth control. This vaccine is effective for three months
and has to be applied four times a year. It reduces bleeding during menstruation and helps in preventing
cancer. Permanent solutions are the best possible methods if the couple does not want any more children.
Male sterilization or vasectomy is easier than female surgery or tubal ligation. In vasectomy, the duct
carrying sperm from the testes to the uterus is cut and tied. Thereafter, no sperms reach the uterus during
intercourse. This does not affect erection in man. Tubal ligation is done by tying and cutting off the fallopian
tubes. Eggs continue to be release but they are prevented from reaching the uterus. Withdrawal method,
otherwise known as pull out method is when the man pull his penis out of the vagina before ejaculation.
This is a very natural birth control option. The calendar rhythm method to avoid pregnancy relies upon
calculating a woman’s fertile period on the calendar to determine her fertile days when sexual intercourse
should be avoided. Continuous breastfeeding also known as lactation amenorrhea method can postpone
ovulation for up to six months after giving birth. This natural birth control method works because the
hormone required to stimulate milk production prevents the release of the hormone that triggers ovulation.

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 Fertility awareness helps couples understand how to avoid or delay pregnancy and how to get
pregnant. Regardless of what method of family planning is used, every woman and man will find value in
learning fertility awareness. Artificial or natural methods are effective when they are used correctly. With
incorrect use, unprotected intercourse takes place which gives way to pregnancy.

REFERENCES Gl oria D. Ancheta, Ed.D, Understanding the Self (Who Am I?), 2019,
Wiseman’s Books Trading, Inc. pp. 108-129

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